Are You Eligible For a Council Tax Reduction?

It you claim benefits or belong to a lower income class; you may be eligible for Council Tax Reduction. However, the amount of reduction will depend on your local council scheme. It is recommended that you check out your Council Tax Reduction based on your location.

How to Get a Property Discount

There are requirements you need to meet to become eligible for a council tax discount for the property you own. These are some of them:

you require a bigger property because you live with a person who has a disability

How to Save on Gas and Electricity

The easiest way to lower your gas and electricity costs is to get a better deal. You could find this with your current provider or with a new supplier. To learn more about prices and current deals, use a price comparison tool. In case you still owe payments to your energy provider, you will have to use a different process to switch to another company.

Improving the Energy Efficiency of Your Home

An energy efficient home saves you more money. Check the insulation and glazing of your home and switch to a more energy-efficient heating system if necessary. If you have a low income, the government could help with the cost of home improvements.

Saving on Your Water Bill

It is quite possible to lower your water bill if you are not required to pay council tax. You could also lower your water cost if you receive a Council Tax discount or reduction. Learn more about the kind of assistance you could receive for your water charges. It is also a good idea to check how to get a water meter through the Scottish Water site.

Cost of Education

If you have school-age children and belong to the low-income bracket or receive certain benefits, you may receive assistance for school expenses. Depending on your eligibility, you could receive school meals, school transport, and a grant to purchase school uniforms free of cost.

Find Cheaper Deals on Phone, TV, and Broadband

You could save money simply by switching to a different provider for your phone, TV, and broadband. Providers often compete for customers by offering better and cheaper deals on these services.

Before making the switch, however, make sure that the terms and conditions of your agreement with the provider allows you to change services without paying an exit fee, which can be quite expensive.

NOTE

If you are on a fixed-term contract with your provider, it is better to wait out the contract before changing providers.

Save More Money If You Receive Benefits

BT Basic offers cheaper broadband and phone calls for qualified individuals. To receive these offers, you must be a recipient of any of the following:

Pay Lower TV Licence

If making the upfront payment for a TV licence is difficult, it is possible for you to pay every week, every two weeks, every month or every quarter. While there are no savings on your side, spreading the licence cost will make the payments easier and more manageable.

To find out about the different payment options offered, check the TV Licensing website for more information. You could also use this site to determine if you need to pay if you do not use BBC iPlayer or watch live TV.

Age

If you are 75 years old or older, you could qualify for a free TV licence, even if there are younger individuals living with you. You could apply for the free licence on the TV Licensing site using your National Insurance number.

Registered Blind

If you or someone you live with is registered blind, you could enjoy your TV licence at a 50% discount. The steps on applying for the discount can be found on Gov.UK.

Residential Care

Individuals who are in residential care and are either retired and over 60 years old or disabled only need to pay £7.50 for a licence. Your housing manager can apply for you.

Cheaper Travel Costs

You do not have to spend more for travel if you know where and how to find the better deals. To do this, you could:

shop for lower cost car insurance

buy bus or train season tickets if you are a regular commuter/traveller

apply for a railcard

There is more information on the Money Advice Service website about finding better deals on cars and travel.

Getting a Cheaper Bus Pass

It is possible to get a cheaper bus pass or one that would allow you to travel for free if you are the right age. Older individuals and the elderly can receive a bus pass depending on your location and age.

Debt Solutions Subject to conditions and acceptance. Credit rating may be affected. Repaying debt over longer period may increase the total amount to be repaid. Fees payable if continuing services provided. Alternative free-to-consumer debt advice organisations as recommended by the Money Advice Service. *You may be required to pay a contribution towards your debts. This contribution is assessed based on your income and expenditure and can last for 48 months or longer.